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Oregon Sentiment is a complex
combination of feelings that are used to bring about a desired action.
Nostalgia is a longing to look back to a place, a time, or something that
one holds dear. Both sensitive feelings and a longing to look back on things
held precious were in great evidence at the Toledo Schwaben Verein's Annual
Banquet, which was held at the Oak Shade Hall in Oregon, Ohio, Saturday,
April 22, 2006.
The banquet was originally created to honor the women of the Verein, whose
dedicated work makes every program given by the Toledo Schwaben Verein a
success. It also allows the organization to invite its friends, who live
locally or in neighboring States to share an evening of fellowship and a
nostalgic look backward at programs and events in the past. It also honors
Schwaben members who have faithfully served their organization over the
years.
The cocktail hour featured a typical buffet of German appetizers. An open
bar allowed all guests to be served beer, wine, or a cocktail by favorite
barkeep, Becky Hiser. Here one could mingle with special guests Art and
Kathrine French, Fritz and Lucy Bausch from the Ann Arbor Schwaben Verein,
or Hubert Rosch, Lisa Gerstheimer, Walter and Linda Rotherberger, and Joe
Wieland from Detroit. Local guest included Mel Arndt and Daiva Ozinskas, Lee
and Mary Weber, Michael and Marcia Willinger, and Dan and Gerda Ash.
The cocktail hour was followed by a prime rib of beef dinner prepared by
T.J.'s Cookout & Catering of Toledo. The rich dinner was complemented by
cheese cake and coffee. Music during the dinner hour was provided by
accordionist Al Vogt of Adrian, MI. Following the dinner, Elsie Schwarzkopf-Pfouts,
holding her great granddaughter on her lap, was surrounded by numerous
Schwarzkopf relatives for a sentimental photo session. The Schwarzkopfs make
up about 25 per cent of the membership of the Toledo Schwaben Verein.
President Schmalzried introduced the widows of deceased members: Ruth David,
Theresa Jakober, Caroline Renz, and Carolyn Zimmerman. A moment of silence
was held in memory of Maria Schmalzried.
A
gold pin for 30 years of membership was presented to Dan Ash. Silver pins
for 20 years of membership were presented to Red Hardt, Ron Kendrick, and
Fritz Hartkopf in his absence. Marcia Dunaway and Chris Schwarzkopf received
floral bouquets for their outstanding service to the Verein.
The evening of sentiment and nostalgia was completed with the entertainment
of Ragtime Rick (Rick Graffing) accompanied on the banjo by the Verein's own
Vern Basilius.
The first number of Ragtime Rick's program was from the Broadway show
Blackbirds of 9122" - Dorothy Fields and Jimmy McHugh's I can't give you
Anything but Love, Baby:. This was followed by On the Sunny Side of the
Street", Hello my Baby, Hello my Darling, Hello my Ragtime Gal", It had to
be You", and Ain't she Sweet".
Frank Fink, our Secretary of the Verein, couldn't keep his dancing feet
still and thrilled the audience with partners Ruth David, Nancy Cranor and
Lisa Gerstheimer.
Ragtime Rick gave a little history of the ragtime style of music, using a
typical hymn, Take it to the Lord in Prayer". Rick played it first as one
would hear it in church and then played it syncopated style. In between
numbers Rick told stories, which were humorous but which wouldn't make a
preacher blush.
Hooray for Rick! He really made the keys of the Oak Shade Hall's piano jump
with a joyful sound. If we all had been younger we would have stayed to the
wee hours of the morning to hear Rick's and Vern's nostalgic artistry.
Memories of this pleasant evening will remain long in the hearts of all
members and guests.
Roy F. Lessing |
